Fall Down Easy

Chris Redmond is Director of Internal Communications at the University
of Waterloo.

Heartless loner covets money, enjoys toying with women’s hearts, and
exploits an unlikely talent for theatrical makeup. Obvious line of work:
robbing banks in disguise, with added thrill of consoling the pretty
teller he’s just traumatized. Meanwhile, recently divorced cop (male)
casts eyes on partner (female) as they attempt to solve a string of odd
bank robberies.

Scene: Vancouver, with apparently authentic glimpses of the Expo ’86
site, the Granville Street Bridge, and such. Tone: Subtle shift from
normal to psychotic as the baddie sees things go wrong, the police see a
pattern developing. Highlights: One brief gory passage early in the
book, and a scene of multiple meaningless deaths two chapters from the
end.

Promotional copy says that Fall Down Easy is sixth in a series
featuring the same slightly bland Vancouver cops. In short, Ed
McBain’s 87th Precinct mysteries come to Canada. Not badly done.

Dust jacket has no visible connection to contents of book. Title is
maybe supposed to sound tough, but sounds meaningless. Much like the
lives of the characters, come to think of it.